Lifestyles

The Most Exhilarating Amusement Parks Around the Area

With summer in reach, its time to start ahead on planning daily adventures. Summertime has long been appreciated by college students after two grueling semesters of hard work. Though your summer plans might be taken up by a job or internship, you are usually granted more free time that you lacked during the school year. If you want to take advantage of the warm days with old friends, the area has many amusement parks for you to consider taking a mini vacation.

At a small fee, you can enjoy these theme parks around the surrounding states throughout the summer.

Right in Jackson is Six Flags, probably one of the most frequently used and well known by University students. While many students are probably already familiar with Six Flags, this summer it is introducing a new drop ride.

Zumanjaro Drop of Doom is inspired by the African theme of Safari Off Road Adventure so guests waiting in line will also be simultaneously watching baboons in their habitat. The ride is set to drop 415 feet from the air, making it the tallest drop tower in the world, according to the Six Flags website. The drop speed is 90 mph and if that isn’t daring enough, it is surrounded by Kingda Ka circling its tracks at 128 mph. Online discount tickets start at $41.99.

Clementon Park and Splash World is located in southern New Jersey. The park opens on May 23 and you can buy a summer pass for only $49.99 with unlimited visits including free tickets for friends and $1 drink refills.

A popular ride is King Neptune’s Revenge, a log flume dropping over Clementon Lake. The wooden roller coaster Hell Cat drops at 110 feet for a sure thrill. The water park includes eight attractions, such as the Big Wave Bay wave pool which has 23,000 square-feet of seemingly real waves.

Junior public relations major Allie Phillips has lifeguarded at the park the past few summers. “Clementon Park and Splash World is the place to cool down this summer. There is so much to do for all ages in the family and our certified lifeguards make sure to keep everything safe. It is a fun and easy going park,” she said.

Associate Communication Professor Aaron Furguson noticed the downfalls of amusement parks. “I never have a problem with costs at amusement parks. However, I do have a problem with line management at rides. There is also a sense that once you are in, you almost feel like a prisoner. All of your meals, entertainment and interaction are solely with others in the park,” he said.

If you are up north this summer, plan a day trip to the popular tourist spot Coney Island at Luna Park. The park will be welcoming a new, steel roller coaster called the Thunderbolt on Memorial Weekend. The 25 foot tall roller coaster which features over 2,000 ft. of track will go upside down as well.

New York native and junior public relations major Rebecca Zidik has been to Coney Island quite a few times. “Well, Coney Island is a huge historic landmark and it has cleaned up well from previous years! I remember getting hot dogs on the boardwalk at Nathan’s and of course going on the wonder wheel at Luna Park where you can see out onto the water. It’s one of the best parts of Brooklyn to me,” she said.

One destination for a longer amusement park vacation is a visit to Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Since the park includes free admission, free parking, free entertainment and free picnic facilities, many people pay for the nearby camp site. The only pricing comes from the ride tickets. Thrill rides, roller coasters, laser tag, 3D experiences, and a water park are just a few of the attractions Knoebels has to offer.

Also located in Pennsylvania, Hershey Park is a popular destination not only for amusement park enthusiasts, but chocolate lovers as well. Hershey’s season begins May 9 and tickets begin at $58.95 for adults. Even if you are not a fan of roller coasters and thrill rides, Hershey has something for you. The popular Chocolate World attraction shows you how the famous candy is made. You can also enjoy the create-your-own candy bar station and dream up your own unique treat. Check out the Stormrunner or Wildcat coasters. Hershey Park also offers tons of water rides like the Coastline Plunge and Tidal Force.

There are plenty of amusement parks to please your thrill- seeking self this summer, so plan accordingly.